*STEF*

For as long as I can remember, I've lived out here in Buccomb Valley, Wyoming, and ever since my father died, I've taken over Wood River Ridge Ranch. Our 250 acres is small compared to the ranches around us, yet it's home and has been home for my family now going on 4 generations. We are known for not only rescuing horses but also as a safe haven to help horses who have fears, hang-ups or need to recover after an injury or illness.

On this particular day, Callie, my 15 year daughter and I are on our way to Jones' Creek stables to look at a mare who is spooked every time it storms. "Do you really think we'll be able to actually help Bella, Mom? I mean, Mr. Jones said she's been this way ever since lightning struck the stable last fall, and they didn't even try to get her help until now!"

I look over at my daughter and smile. She has inherited my dad's talent for reading animals, and I couldn't be prouder. "I'm not sure, but you do know that we always try..."

She seems frustrated as I pull our truck out onto Rt. 77. "When he called this morning, he acted as if we couldn't help her, he was going to have to put her down which I find to be highly unfair seeing as it's not her fault! He should've called us last fall when it happened!"

I reach over and place my hand on her knee, "I know sweetheart, and we will do everything in our power to see we can help her." I reach over and turn the radio on as she rolls down our windows. When did my girl get to be so big and mature? It seems just like yesterday I gave birth to her and brought her home to our little house on the edge of my parents ranch. Even though Russ and I weren't married, he still seemed to want to be her father, but when he got wind of making it big in good old California, he up and took off on us. I'll never forget how heart broken I was, and at the time, Callie was only 3. She cried every night for her daddy for almost 4 months after that, and I vowed I'd never allow any one to hurt my baby like that again.

As we round the corner to get onto Hickory Run, I slow down as I see a car on the side of the road with it's hood up. Almost coming to a complete stop as I near it, I don't recognize it from being from around here. I decide to see if I can help whoever it is; so, I pull off behind the white ritzy looking mustang and turn to Callie. "Stay here. I'll just be a second. Maybe I can help this person."

As I adjust my cowboy hat, I round the car only to come face to face with the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on. Her wild curls rustle in the breeze, and I'm shocked to see her in overalls and a tank as well as cowboy boots. I can feel my heart racing out of control as I wipe my hands on my own worn jeans. "What's a gal like you doing driving such a fancy car way out here in the sticks?" I greet this gorgeous creature.

Her big brown eyes meet mine, and except for the black smudge across her cheek, she's flawless. "Are you going to just stand there and stare or are you going to help me?" she asks in an annoyed tone.

I can feel the heat rising up my neck as I pull out my work gloves from my back pocket. "Well since you asked so kindly, let me have a look!" I snap back, and she steps back, annoyed as hell yet looking as sexy as ever. It takes everything in me to not stare as I lean over the heated engine to see what the problem is.

I soon stand up and shut the hood as I take off my gloves. "Looks like you won't be going anywhere for a while. Let me call you a tow truck." I pull out my flip phone, and she looks at me horrified.

"But I need to get to Seattle in 2 days! I have a job interview!" She digs through her purse, and I try to keep from laughing at her.

"Ummmm, excuse me? Wouldn't you just fly instead of make the trip by car and a fancy one at that?" I say with a smirk on my face.

She scowls at me just as she finds her fancy phone. "I'll have you to know, I'm moving there as well! I had my stuff shipped ahead, and I decided to make the drive so I could see the pretty countryside! Not that you would understand!" She huffs as she stomps away making her phone call.

"Mom? What's going on? Who is that woman? And what's she doing out here?" Callie is now beside me, and I shake my head laughing softly.

"I have no idea who she is, but she is a wild one!" I keep laughing as we both start to head back for our truck.

"Excuse me! Excuse me, Miss!" the curl haired woman calls after us, and I turn around. "Do you mind showing me the nearest hotel? I have a tow truck coming, but I'd rather wait somewhere I can freshen up and make a few calls and check my email."

Callie snorts, and I elbow her as I reply, "Oh, honey, you're better off just staying with me. I have a guest house out back by the barn, and I won't charge you. What did you say your name was again?" I ask this as my heart races. This woman is trying too hard to look country, but I can tell she has no clue about any of this stuff.

She shuts her purse as she heads to grab a bag out of her car. "I never did tell you my name...but since I'll be staying with you, I guess I can." Her eyes are dark now as she seems to stare a hole right through me.

I swallow hard as if I've just been reprimanded, "Well, I'm Stef, and this is my daughter, Callie. We live up on the Wood River Ridge Ranch just as you enter Buccomb Valley. I'm sure you passed it." I smile nervously now as I reach for her bag, but she holds on to it for dear life.

"I'm Lena. Lena Adams, and I'm from Chicago, Illinois. Like I said, I'm moving to Seattle, Washington." She looks at me now as if to say what next, and I snap out of it as I lead the way back to my truck. Waiting for this tow truck feels like the longest hour of my life.